Frog Fruit (Lippia nodiflora)
Frog Fruit
Frog Fruit (Lippia nodiflora), despite its funny name is not really a fruit for frogs. This small prostrate spreading perennial forb has soft green leaves when water is plentiful and blooms from spring through fall. It is widespread in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions. It makes an excellent ground cover and has been suggested as a lawn substitute.
In the warmer regions and those protected from frosts Frog Fruit will grow as an evergreen. Despite spreading energetically it is not an invasive plant. Frog Fruit is generally found growing in moist sandy soils or rocky areas. While it prefers moderately fertile soils it will grow in soils with lower fertility. Frog Fruit has a definite preference for sunlight and while it will grow in shady areas it tends to make considerably more vegetation and produces less blooms.
Despite being drought tolerant it does much better with good watering. In extremely dry areas Frog Fruit tends to stay close to the ground reaching a height of 3 to 6 inches. However, in wetter, shady conditions or when given additional water it tends to be more upright and can attain heights of around 8 inches. Frog Fruit propagates from seeds, root division and will also transplant easily from cuttings.
The bloom clusters are round and compact, measuring about 0.5 to 0.8 inches in diameter. The tiny blossoms open in a ring and vary in color from pale pink to white. The blooms throats tend to be orange to yellow in color. Despite their soft looking appearance the leaves of Frog Fruit tend to be stiff and have distinct serrations around their edges.
Cattle, white-tailed deer and other herbivores will graze the leaves and it also provides a food source for butterflies.
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Shipping and Sales Tax (Oklahoma only) added in cart. For orders over 5 pounds please call for a bulk shipping rate. Quantities required can be changed within your shopping cart.| From (USD) | To (USD) | Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| $0.01 | $15.00 | $4.95 |
| $15.01 | $30.00 | $6.95 |
| $30.01 | $50.00 | $9.95 |
| $50.01 | $200.00 | $11.95 |
| $200.01 | and up | $14.95 |
Frog Fruit Flower and Seed Head
Frog Fruit Flower Close Up
How deep do you plant the seeds? How many seeds per hole? How far apart?
Thanks!
Comment by JoAnn Salter — January 25, 2010 @ 9:43 am
Hi JoAnn,
For the best results we suggest the following.
Select a sunny location and plant during the early spring or fall in mild climates. Loosen the soil with a rake or hoe. Mix the seeds with a cup of sand or some other inert material and simply broadcast this mix over the planting area. Then lightly rake the seeds into the soil or cover them with peat moss or a similar light mulch. You should keep the soil moist until the plants begin to grow.
In terms of planting rates 1 ounce will plant around 2000 square feet and a packet will do 10 square feet.
If you have any more questions or comments please don’t hesitate to ask.
Cheers
Jim
Comment by Jim — January 25, 2010 @ 11:03 am
Hi, do you know about anybody who sells Lippia seeds in Europe? Thank you
Comment by Inara — March 23, 2010 @ 6:22 am
Hi Inara,
We should be able to provide you with the Lippia seed you require. We have no problems handling European orders.
I’ve emailed you requesting additional information.
Jim
Comment by Jim — March 23, 2010 @ 8:46 am
Hi Jim,
I know frog fruit is native to Texas, so do you think fall would be a good time for us to plant it here in Dallas, or should we wait until spring?
Thanks!
Comment by Lena — September 1, 2010 @ 1:12 pm
Hi Lena,
Frog Fruit is getting very close to dropping seed right now. The best time to plant is when Mother nature does so yes, this would be a good time to plant.
Regards,
Jim
Comment by Jim — September 1, 2010 @ 1:31 pm